Economic Development Action Plan Underway for Southwestern Ontario

The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (including the County of Simcoe) is working on an economic development strategy to grow the regional economy. The strategic action plan will underline the region’s commitment to working together and speaking with one unified voice on critical economic issues in southwestern Ontario.

“A regional economic development action plan will explore the diverse needs of municipalities, identify common themes and set priorities. We want to focus our attention on issues and solutions with the biggest impact on economic growth,” said George Bridge, Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens` Caucus Economic Development Committee.

In 2015 the Premier of Ontario met with the Western Ontario Wardens and asked the region to speak with a single voice on economic issues. This approach has been successful in Eastern Ontario.

The WOWC have already been effective moving forward important regional goals, most recently, developing the SWIFT Network initiative. SWIFT aims to connect the region with a high-speed fibre internet network.

About the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

The Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 3 million residents. WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research and analysis and education. Mayor of Penetanguishene and Warden of the County of Simcoe, Gerrry Marshall, is a member of WOWC. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca.

The WOWC encourages economic development colleagues and business stakeholders in the North Simcoe community to participate by completing and share their survey and/or register for one of the workshops.